HR 81: ACKNOWLEDGING THE HISTORICAL AND WIDELY-RECOGNIZED NAMES OF "JUDEA" AND "SAMARIA" FOR THE TERRITORY COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "WEST BANK".

HOUSE RESOLUTION

ACKNOWLEDGING THE HISTORICAL AND WIDELY-RECOGNIZED NAMES OF "JUDEA" AND "SAMARIA" FOR THE TERRITORY COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "WEST BANK".

     WHEREAS, the United States of America and Israel are long‑time allies; and

     WHEREAS, the area commonly known as the "West Bank" is at the core of ancient and modern-day Israel; and

     WHEREAS, the terms "Judea" and "Samaria" more accurately capture the historical and legal significance of the territory; and

     WHEREAS, although the Hawaii State House of Representatives does not presume to establish American foreign policy, determine final status issues, or create a new law relating to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the House of Representatives also wishes to use terminology that is historically accurate; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, to acknowledge the historical and widely-recognized names of "Judea" and "Samaria" for the territory commonly referred to as the "West Bank"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all state officials are respectfully requested to use the terms "Judea" and "Samaria" in all relevant correspondence relating to the "West Bank"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of State of the United States; United States Ambassador to Israel; Governor of the State of Hawaii; and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Hawaii.

Report Title: 

United States; Israel; Judea; Samaria; Allies; Correspondence